[An adult case of virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VHAS) and a review of this syndrome in adults in Japan].

An adult case of Virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) was reported and a review of this syndrome in adults in Japan was also made. A 79 year-old woman was referred to our hospital for detailed examination for sustained generalized fatigue lasting for about two weeks. Other clinical manifestations of this patient included fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia and mild liver dysfunction. The biopsy of the lymph node revealed hyperplasia of histiocyte with hemophagocytosis. There was also an elevation of IgG antibody against EB virus and the patient was therefore diagnosed to have VAHS. The prednisolone therapy was then initiated and the patient responded to this treatment very well. By the review of the Japanese literatures, seven adult cases of VAHS were found. Based on the descriptions on these cases, the prognosis of this syndrome appeared to be extremely poor which is totally different from VAHS in children. Our case showed a very favourable clinical course following steroid therapy and this suggested that steroid therapy should be considered even at the early stage of this syndrome in adults.